You work hard to keep your teeth and gums clean by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You even attend your regular, semi-annual dental cleanings and exams. So why are you experiencing a weird, white film in your mouth that reappears within a few hours no matter how well you brush? It also has a bad taste that won’t go away, even with mints and mouthwash. What is this strange stuff, and how can you get rid of it? Here’s what you need to know about oral thrush.
What is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is a type of yeast infection that affects the mouth. You may have heard that its somewhat common in babies, but the fact is that it can affect anyone of any age. There are a few factors that could increase your risk for it, which include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Hormonal changes from pregnancy
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Stress
- Dry mouth
How Do I Get Rid of Oral Thrush?
Now that you know what’s going on, it’s time to get rid of it. The easiest way to eliminate oral thrush is by brushing and flossing, however if that’s not working, speak to your dentist about a prescription anti-fungal medication. You may also want to use a tongue scraper to help keep your tongue clear, and if you’re currently using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste, you may want to consider switching varieties, as this type of product can upset the balance of your mouth’s natural oral microbiome, making it hard for the good bacteria to counteract the bad.
Next Steps
If you do have oral thrush, in addition to combatting it, its important to be aware of your overall health. If you currently have any medical conditions such as HIV, cancer, or diabetes be sure to make necessary adjustments to your care routine to help maintain your oral health. If you are expecting, your mouth can experience many hormonal changes including gestational gingivitis and dysgeusia (a metallic taste in the mouth), but thankfully these should eventually clear after pregnancy.
If you do notice any signs of thrush, including a bad taste in your mouth and a persistent white film that reappears again shortly after brushing, speak to your dentist about your treatment options, and you’ll be sharing your beautiful smile again in no time!
About Dr. Rottman
Dr. Travis Rottman is a skilled dentist who is proud to provide high quality, compassionate dental care to patients of all ages. He has earned Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor achieved by only 6% of dentists, and he regularly attends seminars and advanced training to better expand his dental skills.
Whether you need a cleaning and exam, a cosmetic procedure, or you’ve noticed any changes in your oral health such as the potential presence of oral thrush, please contact Sachse Family Dentistry by visiting our website or calling us at 972-848-0073 for an appointment.